Orang Utan Comics News

PARTICLE FICTION IS GO! PLUS SPECIAL OFFER - GET A FREE SKETCH!

2010-03-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

A MONTHLY COMIC BOOK THAT JUST HAPPENS TO BE ONLINE

Come along to Particle Fiction and read the first issue of a new ongoing monthly comic book series from Orang Utan Comics with a twist or three.

Particle Fiction is a monthly, 16 page, black and white webcomic - if that seems like an odd concept, just think of it as an indy comic book that just happens to be distributed primarily online rather than on paper (although I will also be selling paper versions at cons, and in my online shop). Each issue will be available to read online or download as a pdf on the first of the month. There are also plans to publish an annual collection, though that's a long way off at the moment.

Rather than being one single, ongoing storyline, Particle Fiction will be a rotating feature; one month may be a gritty crime story in a modern realistic setting, while the next might be a science fiction story set in the far reaches of space, the one after that a whimsical all-ages fantasy. There will be recurring features, with larger storylines spread out over multiple chapters, but my intention is for each month to work as a self-contained piece in it's own right.

If you've enjoyed my comics in the past, then you should definitely check out Particle Fiction- both MINDHACK and IDEASMAN will be recurring features in the comic, and the final four chapters of the current MINDHACK story will be individual issues of Particle Fiction.

In order to celebrate the launch I'm doing a special offer: if you order a copy of particle Fiction from my shop before the 4th of April, not only will I sign it for you, I'll also do a you a sketch and send that to you along with the comic.

If you order Damnation, I'll go one better- I'll do you a sketch AND throw the other two comics in for free as well!

I think you'll agree, that's a pretty good deal!

Orang Utan Comics Release Alpha Gods: Betrayal #1!

2010-03-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

UK indie publisher announces new releases in the run up to the 2010 convention season!

“Ian Sharman has created a refreshingly original take on the superhero team book in Alpha Gods.” – Edward Kaye, Hypergeek.

Orang Utan Comics is pleased to announce the latest release in superhero/sci-fi series Alpha Gods – Alpha Gods: Betrayal #2! The new issue is now available to order via IndyPlanet’s print on demand service and as a digital download from DriveThru Comics. Comic book stores can also get in on the action by ordering Alpha Gods: Betrayal #2, and all of Orang Utan Comics other titles, from online distributor Comics Monkey.

“Alpha Gods continues to build a loyal fan following,” said Orang Utan Comics’ Managing Editor and Alpha Gods creator, Ian Sharman, “and we feel overwhelmed that our fans have rewarded us with a nomination for Best Comic Not Distributed By Diamond in the upcoming Comicpalooza Fandom Awards!” Indeed, Orang Utan Comics have also recently announced that they will be guesting at the Comicpalooza event in Houston, Texas, on 26^th-28^th March. The last weekend in March promises to be a busy one for Orang Utan Comics as they will also be attending the Hi-Ex show in Inverness, so whether you’re in sunny Texas, or not-so-sunny Inverness, be sure to stop by and say “Hi.”

Orang Utan Comics are also pleased to announce that they’ve just gone to press on their first trade paperback collection, FTL: Year One. This will collect the first four issues of their hit anthology series, FTL, into a single volume. The trade will be available online through IndyPlanet, and retailers will be able to order through ComicsMonkey. Convention goers in the US will be able to pick up a copy at C2E2 in April, while UK fans will get their first look at the Bristol International Comic and Small Press Expo in May.

More News From Across the Pond

2010-02-24T16:07:00.000-08:00

Orang Utan Comics will guest at Houston’s 3^rd annual Comicpalooza the largest sci-fi/comic convention in Houston. This years convention is at the George R Brown Convention Center on March 26-28, 2010. Joining Orang Utan Comics as guests will be Bruce Campbell, Bernie Wrightson, Dichen Lachman, Humberto Ramos, Gene Wolfe, Peter Mayhew, Ethan Van Sciver and many, many more. Just check out their website for a complete guest list but check often as they just keep adding more and more names.

In addition, Alpha Gods has been nominated for Best Comic Book Not Being Distributed Through Diamond Comics so be sure to cast your vote while visiting the website. To vote, go to the Fandom Awards notice at the bottom of the Comicpalooza home page.

So if you can make it out to Houston the last weekend in March be sure to check out what is destined to become the best organized convention in the South, and while your there, come see me at the Orang Utan Comics table.

Trey Wickwire
OUC North American Rep

ORANG UTAN COMICS SWING ACROSS THE POND IN 2010!

2010-01-16T14:04:00.000-08:00

UK indie publisher announces big plans for the year ahead!

“Orang Utan Comics really stand out from the competition in the small press comics scene.” – Edward Kaye, Hypergeek.

Orang Utan Comics is kicking off the new decade with two exciting new releases and has some huge plans for the year to come. The first of these new releases is the action packed Alpha Gods: Betrayal #1, which picks up where last year’s popular Alpha Gods graphic novel left off. Alpha Gods: Betrayal #1 is full colour and is available via print on demand from IndyPlanet and as a digital download from DriveThru Comics.

The second of their new releases is FTL #4, the latest release in their critically acclaimed anthology series. Building on the tradition of OUC’s Eagle Award nominated anthology, Eleventh Hour, FTL seeks to showcase some of the best new writers and artists currently working in comics. Inside the pages of FTL #4 Josh Wagner and Steve Saunders engage us in an intriguing discussion involving death and art in Salvus; Melissa Hudson takes us back in time as we join Boadicca's rebellion against the Roman Empire; Peter Rogers introduces us to the world of the Fifth Outlaw; and Michael Sacal and Greg Novak round out the issue with their spooky ghost story Witchfinder: Curse of the Poppet. FTL #4 is available via print on demand from IndyPlanet and as a digital download from DriveThru Comics.

Orang Utan Comics are also pleased to announce that both Alpha Gods: Betrayal #1 and FTL #4, along with their complete back catalogue, are now available to order from your local comic shop, through new online distributor ComicsMonkey.

The exciting new developments at Orang Utan Comics don’t stop there. OUC are embracing the digital age of comics by working closely with Robot Comics to bring you Alpha Gods for mobile devices. Following the initial release for Android based mobile phones; Orang Utan Comics are very pleased to announce that the Alpha Gods graphic novel is now available for the iPhone and iPod Touch in Apple’s App Store. “We’re really excited about the potential of mobile comics,” said Orang Utan Comics’ Managing Editor, and Alpha Gods creator, Ian Sharman, “we’re hoping it will introduce a whole new audience to what we’re doing, people who wouldn’t normally pick up a print comic and read it.” Robot Comics are working now to adapt Alpha Gods: Betrayal #1 for both Android based devices and the iPhone.

These new releases are just the start of Orang Utan Comics’ big plans for 2010. They also intend to release at least two trade paperbacks this year, the first of which, FTL: Year One, will collect the first year of stories from their anthology series into a single volume. Featuring stories by Dwight L. MacPherson, Ian Sharman, Peter Rogers, Steve Saunders, Melissa Hudson and more, FTL: Year One will be the perfect way for those who’ve yet to sample Orang Utan Comics’ ground breaking anthology to find out what they’ve been missing! Orang Utan Comics hope to follow this up later in the year with the Alpha Gods trade paperback, which will collect the graphic novel and all six issues of Alpha Gods: Betrayal into a single, full colour, 180 page volume.

Finally, Orang Utan Comics are pleased to announce that you will be able to find them at conventions across the UK this year, beginning with the Hi-Ex show in Inverness in March. You’ll also be able to find them at the Bristol International Comic & Small Press Expo, the London MCM Expo, and many other shows throughout the year. However, Orang Utan Comics’ plans for 2010 are not limited to their home shores, as they will be taking the big step across the Atlantic Ocean this year and will be attending their first US convention in April. OUC are delighted to announce that they will be attending C2E2 in Chicago from April 16-18 at McCormick Place, Chicago. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this exciting new event,” commented OUC Managing Editor, Ian Sharman, “and I’m really looking forward to finally meeting some of our many US fans.”

Alpha Gods & BWS - A Public Statement

2009-10-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

As some of you may be aware, my comic book, Alpha Gods, was originally entitled Young Gods. The title was inspired by the 1991 album of the same name by British hard rock band the Little Angels. You may also be aware that not long before we went to print with the Alpha Gods graphic novel I received an email from one Alex Bialy, apparently "Windsor-Smith Studio Manager", informing me that Barry Windsor-Smith holds the trademark on the name "Young Gods" and asking me to cease using it.

Now, at the time I was a little surprised. I was aware that both Marvel and DC have for many years had groups called the Young Gods, although they've not appeared very often. Despite being a fan of Mr Smith's work on both Iron Man and Machine Man for Marvel Comics, I was not aware of his own comic of the same name. However, out of respect for Mr Smith and his claim of ownership of the name I was quite content to change the title of my comic. To be honest, I'm far happier with the name "Alpha Gods"...it makes more sense from an in story point of view...and my only disappointment is that it no longer serves quite so well as a tribute to what I firmly believe to be one of the greatest hard rock albums of all time.

So, that, I believed, was that...

...until someone directed me to the latest issue of RPG Review.

It would seem that one of RPG Review's writers had the audacity to use the term "Young Gods" in the title of one of their articles, and so drew the attention of Alex Bialy. RPG Review chose to point out that there was no possible case for trademark infringement here...which was when Mr Bialy, apparently, felt the need to bring my name, and the name of Orang Utan Comics into things...implying that my ideas are unoriginal and implying that, essentially, I had taken the title of my comic from that of Mr Smith's.

This is untrue. I want to make that abundantly clear, and the fact that Mr Bialy feels it necessary to imply such unsubstantiated accusations to an unrelated third party quite simply shocks me.

The actions of Mr Bialy here are deeply unprofessional, and I would hope that Mr Smith would consider disassociating himself from them. They show a deep and fundamental lack of respect for others in what is a very, very small industry. We're all in this together, we all love comics, and should be working together to build a better comics industry.

That said, now I have your attention, I'd like to point out that the first issue of the new Alpha Gods series, Alpha Gods: Betrayal #1 is now available to order from IndyPlanet and as a digital download on DriveThru Comics. Please check it out!

Ian Sharman

Managing Editor

Orang Utan Comics

ORANG UTAN’S ANTHOLOGY HITS LIGHTSPEED!

2009-08-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

FTL #2 out now in print and digital formats!

“FTL#2 is a wonderful anthology comic that showcases some of the hottest new writers and artists in the industry. Ian Sharman and Orang Utan Comics have put a lot of heart and soul into this project, and it all pays of in the form of this great collection of stories. The comic industry is sadly lacking in anthology titles these days. Some companies have tried their hand at it recently, but all have ultimately failed, because none of them have put the same amount of care and attention in to their anthologies as Orang Utan has.” - Edward Kaye, Hypergeek.

Orang Utan Comics are pleased to announce the release of the second issue of their critically acclaimed anthology, FTL!

FTL is Orang Utan Comics’ flagship anthology series! You can expect the very best quick fire stories in these pages, from some of the most exciting creators working in comics today. This is the comics anthology where anything goes! Vampires! Dragons! Robots! Ninjas! Knights! Vikings! Cheerleaders! You name it, you’ll find it in the pages of FTL!

The second stunning installment of FTL brings you a heady mix of post-apocalyptic visions, super heroics, werewolves and creepy ancient myths as Orang Utan Comics continue in their quest to bring you the best mix of comic book short story goodness available. Hmmm…or should that be “badness”? Anyway, this issue they’ve also teamed up with the fine people at Nightmaera to bring you the first part of their period horror tale, Secret Cross!

Orang Utan Comics have simultaneously released FTL #2 in both print and digital formats. As with all of their titles, you can order the print version on demand from IndyPlanet - http://www.indyplanet.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2500 They are also continuing to explore the digital comics revolution by teaming up with DriveThru Comics to offer all of their new titles in a digital format. Both FTL #1 and the Alpha Gods OGN are already both available to download in PDF format from the popular digital comics site. FTL #2 immediately shot to the number two spot on DriveThru’s top 100 comics when it was released earlier this week. You can find all of Orang Utan Comics titles on DriveThru Comics here - http://comics.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?filters=0_0_0&manufacturers_id=2802

Orang Utan Comics’ Managing Editor, Ian Sharman, added, “This is a really exciting time for comic books and we intend to continue to explore new ways of delivering our comics to readers. We will have many exciting announcements about new digital comics projects in the near future, including our first big step into the world of comics for mobile devices.”

FTL #2 will be receiving its official offline launch at next month’s Wales Comic Con on Sunday 27^th September at Glyndwr University, Wrexham, where it will be available with an exclusive signed and numbered art card illustrated by Eagle Award nominated painter, Azim Akberali. You can find out more about Wales Comic Con at http://www.walescomiccon.co.uk/

Orang Utan Comics teams up with DriveThru Comics!

2009-07-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

Orang Utan Comics are continuing to explore the digital comics revolution by teaming up with DriveThru Comics to offer all of our new titles in a digital format. Our new anthology, FTL #1 and the Alpha Gods OGN are now both available to download in PDF format from the popular digital comics site.

Our next release on DriveThru will be FTL #2 which will be simultaneously available in print format via IndyPlanet and in digital format via DriveThru.

This is a really exciting time for comic books and we intend to continue to explore new ways of delivering our comics to readers. We will have many exciting announcements about new digital comics projects in the near future, including our first big step into the world of comics for mobile devices.

Orang Utan Comics at LFCC!

2009-07-06T06:59:00.001-07:00

Orang Utan Comics are pleased to announce that we will be attending LFCC on 18th and 19th of July at Earls Court in London.

We'll have copies of Alpha Gods and FTL #1 for sale, as well as older titles such as the Eleventh Hour Collector's Edition and Eleventh Hour Vol 1. Managing Editor and Alpha Gods writer/creator, Ian Sharman, will be on hand to sign all your comics and FTL cover artist John Charles will also be at the event, offering sketches and signing comics.

LFCC boasts a huge array of special guests from the worlds of comic books and sci-fi TV and film, including Scott Bakula, Jake Lloyd, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Jewel Staite, Michael Shanks, Bruce Boxleitner, Michael Ironside, Tom Baker, Paul McGann, Peter Mayhew, Dave Prowse, Hugh Quarshie, Kenny Baker, Danny John-Jules and many, many more.

You can find out more about LFCC bu visiting their website here.

Orang Utan Comics Founder interviewd on BCfm!

2009-05-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

While in Bristol for the Bristol International Comic Expo, Orang Utan Comics managing editor, Ian Sharman, had the pleasure of being invited into the BCfm studio to be interviewed by Mark Le-Leivre for his Movies and Music Programme.

In case you missed the show, broadcast live on 9th May, we've got the interview with Ian right here to download for your listening pleasure.

http://www.orangutancomics.co.uk/audio/09-may-2009-14-00-00.mp3

ORANG UTAN EVOLVES IN 2009!

2009-04-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

British indie publisher releases two new titles!

Orang Utan Comics are pleased to announce the release of two new comics which are available to order online right now.

FTL#1 is the first issue of their brand new black and white anthology. Featuring thirty-two pages of beautifully greyscaled art, and new stories by Orang Utan Comics veterans Ian Sharman, Peter Rogers and Trey Wickwire, along with a brand new story from the exceptionally talented Dwight L. MacPherson (The Surreal Adventures of Edgar Allan Poo), FTL is sure to be a hit with comic fans everywhere.

Click here to order FTL #1.

Also released today is the Alpha Gods graphic novel. Previously available to read online in ebook form, in excess of 8,000 views in the three months since its release have persuaded Orang Utan Comics to release the entire 48 page, full colour graphic novel in print.

Click here to order Alpha Gods.

Both titles will be available at the Orang Utan Comics stand at next month’s Bristol International Comic Expo, and also at the London MCM Expo later in the month. You can also order both titles online via the print on demand service, IndyPlanet.

Orang Utan Comics Managing Editor, Ian Sharman, added, “May is going to be a big month for Orang Utan Comics, not only do we have two great new titles to promote, but we’re also looking forward to getting out and meeting our fans.” Indeed, fans will get a chance to put their questions to the Orang Utan Comics crew during their panel at the Bristol International Comic Expo next month. The panel will be held at 4pm in the Park Suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Bristol and the OUC team will be celebrating their second anniversary of creating “comics for a strange new world.”

To find out more about Alpha Gods, read character bios and creator profiles, please visit www.alphagods.co.uk

For more information on Orang Utan Comics visit them online at www.orangutancomics.co.uk

ORANG UTAN’S YOUNG GODS SWINGS ON!

2009-03-02T06:02:00.000-08:00

"The team has a chemistry that reminds you of the classic Wolfman TEEN TITANS." – Project Fanboy

Orang Utan Comics are pleased to announce the release of Part Two of the Young Gods OGN! Just like Part One, this latest installment of the action/adventure super-hero comic is available to read completely free online via the digital publishing site myebook.com.

“We’ve had a great response to the release of Part One and interest in the book is continuing to grow every day,” said Young Gods creator, Ian Sharman. “Hopefully with the release of Part Two people will see that we’re making an ongoing commitment to keep this series going.”

Indeed, Orang Utan Comics have plans to continue Young Gods on beyond this initial release, with a six part follow up, entitled Young Gods: Betrayal already in the works. “The whole series is fully plotted out and the art team are hard at work on the first issue at the moment, and I’ll be handing them the script for the second issue any day now,” Sharman added. “We’re hoping to maintain a bi-monthly schedule with the book as we don’t want to keep people waiting too long between issues.”

Orang Utan Comics have also announced plans to produce a print version of the as yet digital only Young Gods. A 48 page graphic novel collecting parts One and Two in one volume will be available soon through Indy Planet and they’re also hoping to offer the book through comic stores via Ka-Blam’s new ComicsMonkey initiative. “These are turbulent times for the comic industry,” Sharman, who also functions as Orang Utan Comics’ managing editor commented, “but they’re also throwing up some exciting new opportunities for smaller independent publishers such as ourselves. We’d love to see the full six issue series of Young Gods: Betrayal in print through 2009 and hope to have a trade-paperback collection available in time for Christmas.”

The first part of the Young Gods OGN is also still available to read online for free, so if you’ve missed it, be sure to catch up before checking out Part Two!

To find out more about Young Gods, read character bios and creator profiles, please visit www.younggodscomic.co.uk

YOUNG GODS HITS THE WEB!

2009-01-28T04:24:00.000-08:00

New sci-fi action/adventure comic now available FREE online!

"The YOUNG GODS creative team is a creative team that is well worth watching. We will see where they are going, with the story, with the characters. You want to interest the reader to follow the series, and this creative team has done that." – Paty Cockrum

Orang Utan Comics Studio today released the first part of their Young Gods OGN onto an unsuspecting world. An action packed adventure tale, Young Gods is certain to appeal to a wide range of comic book fans. The series sees OUCS make the bold leap from the printed page into digital media, with Young Gods being available to read completely FREE online, via the digital publishing site myebook.com. Orang Utan Comics Studio were the first organisaton to sign up to myebook’s publishing partnership plan when it went live last year.

“I think we recognized the huge potential of myebook about thirty seconds after first being shown it,” said Orang Utan Comics Studio’s Managing Editor and Young Gods’ creator, Ian Sharman. “It’s an ideal solution for small studios like ourselves who want to get our work in front of as many people as possible but don’t have the capital to finance large print runs.”

With the recent policy changes at Diamond reducing the opportunities for small press and independent publishers to reach a wide audience through traditional print publications, Orang Utan Comics Studio see online digital publishing as an essential tool for distributing their comics to a wider market.

Ian Sharman has been working on Young Gods since he was a teenager, gaining the initial inspiration while listening to the Little Angels album of the same name. However, the road from original idea to the comic book page has been a long one, and finding the right creative team to bring his ideas to life proved very challenging. “I think we went through seven artists, including at one point myself, before we found Ezequiel Pineda. His unique style was exactly what I was looking for, allowing the focus to shift from the overblown superheroics to the diverse characters that make up the team,” added series writer, Ian Sharman. The addition of Mauro Barbosa on colours proved that lightening can strike twice, as his dynamic colours proved to be the perfect complement to Ezequiel’s art. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate,” Ian continued, “finding not only one, but two extremely talented artists with the same passion for this comic that I have.”

The first part of the Young Gods OGN, which introduces the team and sets up plot points that will be continued in a six issue series that the Young Gods team are currently hard at work on is available to read FREE online right now, and the second part will be released on Feb 28th. Be one of the first to read this exciting new comic, and share it with your friends online, just as you would a YouTube video:

CBG Fan Awards Nominations

2009-01-09T09:49:00.001-08:00

Hmmm....you know...it's so long since Eleventh Hour Vol 1 came out...sometimes I forget that it came out on 2008...

Hmmm...wha? Oh, yes...the CBG Fan Awards are asking for nominations... This from their site....

"Between now and February 28, 2009, you, the fans, have the chance to nominate your favorites of the past year for the Comics Buyer's Guide's annual Fan Awards. Any comics material with a 2008 cover date or copyright is eligible for consideration. Creators are eligible only if they had work published with a 2009 cover date or copyright.

Again this year, we're offering a nominating round with the survey below.

The final ballot with the top nominees from each category will be available online in mid-March

Only vote in the categories you want, leaving blank the ones you don't. Please, only one nominee per category.

Feel free to mention this nominating ballot on other websites, but we ask those websites or posters to not give potential voters a list of what creators and projects they should vote for and which they should avoid. Such detailed listings amount to a request for ballot box stuffing. As ever, ballot box stuffing will result in discarding the ballots in question. This is a democratic process with everyone free to pick their favorites, not ones that they're told to vote for. Soliciting votes is allowed, but filling in the blanks for potential voters is not."

So, obviously, I'm not going to tell you who to vote for, but do go here and vote.

Ian.

JC's Johnny Monster

2009-01-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

Our very own JC Grande (5th Outlaw) has a new series starting in February from Shadowline/Image. Find out more here.

I should have posted this back in November, but hey the book's out next month so go buy it - ok!

Pete

WIP (Wyatt In Progress) 2 - The Finished Cover!

2008-11-25T12:36:00.001-08:00

Here's the final artwork to the Dexter's Half Dozen comic, featuring Gorstagg The Undead Norse Warrior!

Until next time,

Cheers,

Si

WIP (Wyatt In Progress) 2 - Gorstagg Lives!

2008-11-24T03:40:00.000-08:00

Here's a cover in progress for Bearded Skull Comics' Dexter's Half Dozen, featuring an undead warrior named Gorstagg (maybe the owner of titular 'bearded skull' himself!)

The comic's creators hail from Wales, David Clifford & Jamie Lambert and is well worth checking out.

Here's what it's about...North Africa 1941, Sir Dexter Kilby; Churchill’s occult adviser, puts together a team to fight the growing supernatural threat of the Nazis.Sergeant Freeman of the newly formed S.A.S is drafted in to lead the rag tag group of criminals and misfits of the British army.The team’s mission is to rescue one of Britain’s top spies from the Nazis occult stronghold at Wewelsburg castle. An impenetrable mountain top fortress deep in the heart of Germany. Little do they know that the Nazis are in league with an ancient vampire of unimaginable power.

Find out more here:

http://www.myspace.com/beardedskullcomics

I'm close to finishing the full colour, inked version and will post when complete.

Till then,

Young Gods Cover Unveiled!

2008-11-10T11:27:00.000-08:00

It gives me great pleasure to finally reveal the cover to the first part of the Young Gods OGN which we'll be releasing on myebook next week.

The cover is illustrated by the amazing John Charles (2000AD) and we're hoping to make it available as a print at future conventions.

The cover features two members of the Young Gods team, the lycanthropic Outrage and Juice.

In other news, don't miss Marvel Heroes #2, which is out now across the UK. Available in all good newsagents, supermarkets and WH Smith, #2 features a seven page X-Men story inked by myself, with pencils by the excellent Neil Edwardes. Pick up your copy today!

Ian.

A taste of Valhalla!

2008-11-09T16:20:00.000-08:00

Here's some colour cover artwork I've been working on for a title named `Valhalla - Hall of Heroes', written by the prolific Peter Rogers of Orang Utan Comic Studios.

Enjoy,

Simon

YOUNG GODS JOINS THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION!

2008-10-24T04:03:00.000-07:00

New sci-fi action/adventure comic to be distributed FREE online!

"I haven't been this impressed by an independent team of teen-to-twenties heroes since Valiant's HARBINGER." - Project Fanboy

Orang Utan Comics Studio today announced a bold new move into the realm of digital publishing as they revealed their plans to release their highly anticipated sci-fi action/adventure series Young Gods for FREE online.

The Young Gods series, which sees a team of teenage “Extra Humans” employed by a government agency to police the Extra Human community, will be available to read in a purely digital format via the ground breaking online publishing platform myebook. Orang Utan Comics Studio were the first organisaton to sign up to myebook’s publishing partnership plan when it went live earlier today.

Orang Utan Comics Studio plan to make the first part of the Young Gods graphic novel available via myebook in the middle of November, but until then you can get a taste of what’s in store by reading a six page preview, available on myebook now.

However, for people who prefer to read their comics on the move, rather than sat at a computer, Orang Utan Comics Studio are also exploring other areas of the digital revolution in comics, making Young Gods available to download to your mobile phone via ROK Comics.

The success of Young Gods will almost entirely depend on fan support, on word of mouth and the book spreading across the internet in a viral fashion. With this in mind, Orang Utan Comics Studio have produced a promotional video which they are encouraging their fans and supporters to put on their blogs and websites in order to spread the word about this ground breaking release.

To find out more about Young Gods, read character bios and creator profiles, please visit www.younggodscomic.co.uk

SLEEPLESS NIGHTS! Insomnia captures the Beast!

2008-10-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased and so very proud to announce that my ongoing personal project, a graphic novel/ 'scary-tale' named `UNBELIEVABLE (The Man Who Ate Daffodils)' has found itself a home at Insomnia Publications!

Head on over to The Red Eye for further details of how this came about and what's in store!

Simon

More Young Gods...

2008-10-21T05:42:00.000-07:00

Well, Simon has some Unbelievable news which I'm sure he'll be sharing with you all soon, but until then the build up to the release of Young Gods continues as we announce the launch of the official Young Gods website.

You can access character bios, creator profiles, and read the comic itself by visiting the site at www.younggodscomic.co.uk

Keep checking back for regular Young Gods updates!

Young Gods

2008-10-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

The online release of Young Gods via myebook is fast approaching and to get you all in the mood we've produced this promotional video.

Please help us to spread the word about Young Gods by posting this video on your blog or website and sharing it with your friends.

If you'd like to download a high res version of this video, please visit the Young Gods page.

BICS and pieces!

2008-10-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos taken from the OUC's recent visit to the Birmingham International Comic Show 2008, held over the weekend.

The sketch challenge - Part one, John Charles' pencils for Batman with Simon Wyatt's inks!

Here's a big fan of Danick Drakesbane (from Eleventh Hour Volume 1)*

*Danick that is, not the fan!

Iz Macauliffe poses with a sketch of Tank Girl! (Good enough to eat, Iz?)

Here's the finished sketch!

Ian Sharman and Peter Rogers at the OUC table sharing a giggle and gearing up for the onslaught of fans!

The sketch challenge part 2, Simon Wyatt inks over John Charles' pencils of Batman!

John Charles inks over Simon Wyatt's pencils for Batman!

Ian and Pete (not sketching or inking, just posing for another pic!)

Simon and John had great fun sketching for all the OUC fans at the show and would like to say a big thank you to all who dropped by the table to say hi and discuss their work!

The OUC Studios would also like to thank all of the fans who bought our books over the weekend!

And to finish off, here's the final Batman Sketch challenge, Simon's pencils and John's inks! (These sold like hotcakes!)

See you all in Bristol next year!

Si

And in the wonderful land of non-Birmingham...

2008-10-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone,

I am guessing that a lot of you from the UK are in Birmingham right now, getting ready for a weekend at the

convention that we comic-book-people fondly call BICS - aka the Birmingham International Comics Show. Me, on the other hand? I stayed home.

I have not been feeling too well lately, so I had to give this one a miss, but I believe that the rest of the British OUC-types are present, so if you are at the show this weekend, or strolling through Birmingham, do pop by the stand and yell "

hey" at them for me (feel free to buy a comic or two while you are there :-p), wont you?

Anyway, what am I doing that merits a Post? I decided to take advantage of my quiet Ian Sharman-free house and write until my heart's content... (Which is great, since my heart is never content, so bring on the eternal writing spree!)

Now I know that you may have heard of Project Raven, as there is a whole page dedicated to it on our wonderful website which you are now viewing, so I thought that I would pay special attention to that project (no pun intended) this weekend and actually get the first issue drafted (I redesigned the entire plot, so it needs rewriting), along with a prequel story entitled 'Zombie Nation' which pitches Raven against an army of zombies* (cool, huh?). To your right** is a special sneak-peak at Raven's darker side, which you will be seeing more (or possibly even less! ;-p) of soon enough...

But what you haven't heard of are my new projects...

The Virgin is a one-shot comic which mixes elements of The Omen with Groundhog Day to make a creepy anti-Christ thriller, and The Reaping is a butt-kicking mini-series in the style of such television series as Ghost Whisperer or Medium but with a hotter lead, a grittier, darker plot, and, um... it's written by me.

The Virgin is halfway to completion of its first draft, and The Reaping #1 is in its first redraft, and Project Raven: Zombie Nation is just about done and dusted so I can start fishing around for an artist for all of those soon enough...

I may not be as active as active as other Studio members, but it doesn't mean I don't work ;-)

* Special thanks go to my good friend and colleague John Charles for the inspiration behind that story, and indeed the title. I do hope he will pencil it, too!

** The pencils were commissioned from Rantz. Who is awesome by the way.

Page 3 stunna

2008-10-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

Here is the third page of RTP (working title) with painted art by super talented Azim Akberali.

Orang Utan Comics Studio Slams Into Birmingham!

2008-09-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

New artist announcement as OUCS attends BICS!

Fresh from the success of Eleventh Hour Vol 1 hitting the number one spot on WOWIO, Orang Utan Comics Studio are today announcing an exciting new addition to the creative team of The Intergalactic Adventures of Slam Ridley as they prepare to take the Birmingham International Comics Show by storm this weekend.

The adventures of the space adventurer, Slam Ridley, were previously set to be illustrated by the highly talented Simon Wyatt. However, Simon and the OUCS team felt that his vast talents would be better suited to some of their other upcoming projects, including the Viking tale Valhalla, written by Peter Rogers, and further adventures of the unfortunate medieval hero, Danick Drakesbane. This, of course, left a huge hole to be filled in the creative team on what OUCS hopes to be one of its flag ship titles. Thus, the search began for a new artist to take on the task of illustrating the adventures of the rugged hero, Slam Ridley, and his robotic companion Dan.

It gives Orang Utan Comics Studio huge pleasure to announce that the new artist on The Intergalactic Adventures of Slam Ridley will be the immensely talented Craig Yeung. Craig is probably best known for his inking work on various Marvel Comics books, including Runaways and X-Men: First Class, and is also a highly accomplished penciler. Series creator and plotter, Ian Sharman, said, “While we’re sad to see Simon leave the book, and want to publicly acknowledge the huge amount of time and effort he put into helping us develop the world of Slam Ridley, we couldn’t be more excited about having Craig on board as the new artist. We drew up a wish list of artists which included a lot of very talented people who were all working for the big two publishers. To be honest, we weren’t expecting any of them to say yes. Craig was right at the top of the list and we were stunned when he accepted the job.”

Series script writer, Peter Rogers, added, “Craig seemed to ‘get’ the idea behind The Intergalactic Adventures of Slam Ridley right away and instantly understood the look that we were going for. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Orang Utan Comics Studio are making this announcement to coincide with their attendance at the Birmingham International Comics Show held from 4^th-5thOctober at the Think Tank in Birmingham. OUCS are really pleased to be returning to BICS after a very successful show last year. Co-founders of the studio, Peter Rogers and Ian Sharman will be on hand all weekend to sign copies of their critically acclaimed anthology Eleventh Hour, answer any and all questions about the studio and review portfolios. Several of the studio’s artists, including Simon Wyatt and John Charles can also be found at the OUCS stand throughout the weekend, signing comics, sketching and giving advice to aspiring artists.

WIP (Wyatt In Progress) `Danick & Arween'

2008-09-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

Its been suggested that I use these posts to share some artistic 'Works in Progress' with you and maybe somewhere along the lines, share the process from roughs to final image.

Here's the first of many, I hope, a possible cover image of Danick Drakesbane & Arween the Warrior Elf, two characters from the slimy, slurping sequel to Danick and the Dragon - Danick And The Gelatinous Cube (Eleventh Hour Volume 2).

The image was drawn using H, HB pencil and took around 3/4 hours to complete pencils. The original is on 250gsm A3 Canson Illustration Board, an excellent quality board that's not only great for pencils, but is extra white and takes most inks, watercolours, guache and acrylics.

The style is a departure from the usual cartoony style for the story as I wanted to experiment with a classical, fantasy style reminiscent of P. Craig Russell and Garth Jones, though I doubt I'll ever be in their league. Lol.

I hope you enjoy viewing 'stage 1' of this image and I'll post the inks soon. Until then, please offer any feedback (all welcome) and let me know if you'd like to see more!

Cheers,

Simon.

RTP Page 2

2008-09-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

More Azim Akberali magic to feast your eyeballs on.

Pete is an Outsider

2008-09-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

I got to play at being a podcaster this week co-hosting Comic Book Outsiders for their 25th Episode.

As well as revealing my guilty pleasure I got to interview Gutsville, Ghost Rider, Silver Surfer and 2000AD writer Si Spurrier.

And of course also got to bring you the very best hidden gems from the world of independent comics, movies and TV.

And the picture will make a lot more sense once you've had a listen. Enjoy.

http://media.libsyn.com/media/comicbookoutsiders/Comic_Book_Outsiders_Episode25.mp3

Peter Rogers

Exclusive first look at "RTP"

2008-09-21T14:08:00.001-07:00

I am working with regular collaborator Azim Akberali on a new mini series, the name is not yet certain but the working title's initials are RTP. The layouts are done for the first five pages and we will be submitting it to publishers before the year is out.

Page One, fully painted arrived in my inbox today and I just had to share. Azim has blown me away on this and I think it's going to go down very well.

- Peter Rogers

News From The USA!

2008-09-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! It's been a busy time for Orang Utan Comics across the pond in the US of A. I've been hanging out at many of the conventions here in Texas. You can spot me by looking for the Orang Utan display. Response has been great and the fans are loving Eleventh Hour.

And speaking of Eleventh Hour, I have two stories coming out in Vol 2.

Karachun is a slavic tale of terror for one small boy out on a night of evil.

Prey is a thrilling tale with a twisted ending featuring art from John Cboins of Graveslinger fame.

Take care everyone, and if you see me at an upcoming convention, stop by and say hello.

Trey Wickwire, Orang Utan Comics North American Rep.

Orang Utan Comics Swing On!

2008-09-19T05:51:00.000-07:00

October is going to be a big month for Orang Utan Comics Studio!

First up, you can catch up with many of our members at the Birmingham International Comics Show at the Think Tank, Birmingham on 4th and 5th October. Both writers and artists will be on hand to sign copies of Eleventh Hour and produce exclusive sketch art.
As if that's not enough, if you can't make it to Birmingham you can catch up with OUCS co-founder, Ian Sharman at the London MCM Expo at the Excel Centre in London's Docklands on 25th and 26th October. You can find him at the AAM/Markosia stand, signing copies of Eleventh Hour and Starship Troopers.

Last, but by no means least, you can find Ian Sharman's first Marvel inks in the pages of Spectacular Spider-Man #175, which will be hitting newsagents in the UK on 2nd October.

In other news, Peter Rogers and Trey Wickwire are busy preparing Fifth Outlaw and Mamluk for pitching to publishers, and Ian is winding up the promotional machine for the forthcoming online release of Young Gods. Check out the new Young Gods Myspace page for more details.